Description
Classic buttery shortbread cookies baked to a delicate golden brown. These simple, tender cookies are made with just butter, sugar, and flour, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness. Perfect for enjoying with tea or gifting during the holidays.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Topping (Optional)
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure even baking of the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes and is crucial for the cookies’ texture.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the creamed butter mixture, beating gently until a smooth dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the shortbread tender.
- Shape the Dough: Press the dough evenly into an ungreased 9-inch square baking pan. Use a fork to prick the surface all over; this prevents bubbling during baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is a light golden brown.
- Cut and Cool: While still warm, cut the shortbread into 16 squares. Allow the cookies to cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack to firm up and to avoid breaking.
- Optional Dusting: Once fully cooled, dust the shortbread squares lightly with confectioners’ sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not grease the pan; the butter in the dough prevents sticking.
- Pricking the dough helps release steam and keeps the cookies flat.
- Cutting the shortbread while warm ensures clean, even edges.
- Shortbread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
